Diamond confirmed that 28 players have a contract either signed or ready for next season, among a squad which would be topped up by senior academy players.

A handful of other players have uncertain futures, while talks with potential new signings have been put on hold.

That would leave a shortfall of about six players Diamond would hope to recruit to complete his squad, if and when the new money comes in.

Already operating with a playing budget vastly inferior to the rest of the Premiership, the club is on course to finish bottom three years running.

Newcastle did not win a league game between March 2023 and October 2024, a run of 25 matches. Last season, they lost all 18 Premiership games.

Costs have been drastically reduced in a bid to reduce financial losses, but that has resulted in the club becoming the league's poor relations.

Owner Kurdi put the club up for sale in November but, while there has been interest, nothing concrete has emerged.

It is a concerning time but Diamond insists everyone at Kingston Park is aware of what is happening.

"We went through a real debacle at Worcester where there was no real clarity or honesty knocking around," he recalled.

"This is totally different. The squad and the staff have been informed the [same] day I've been informed of where we are. There is no panic.

"We are leaning on the right people in the business to sort this out - the shareholders - and once the information is given I will inform the staff and players exactly where we're at.

"I don't think there will be any mystery illnesses or people crying off fearing they are not going to get paid at the end of the month. That isn't even in our vocabulary here. We're in good fettle."